SOUTHWESTERN PASTA & CHEESE

Southwestern Pasta & Cheese image

Provided by Shelby Jo

Categories Spicy

Time 50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 1/3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
8 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon chipotle chile in adobo, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 1/4 cups nonfat milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
4 slices center-cut bacon, strips cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute pepper and onions in oil until tender. Stir in the flour, chili powder, cumin, salt, and chipotle pepper until blended. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese until melted.
Drain pasta; toss with sauce. Stir in bacon and cilantro. Transfer to a 2 quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.